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This memorial website was created in the memory of my brother, Michael John Lockwood who was born in Baltimore, Md on November 01, 1957. disappeared at sea on May 4th 1981 at the age of 23.
We will remember him forever.
In 1975, Mike joined the U.S. Navy, eventually becoming an Interior Communications Technician, Petty Officer Second Class. Four months shy of finishing his six-year enlistment, he disappeared from the deck of the USS Norton Sound, AVM-1 while the ship was operating in the Gulf of Mexico.
Mike disappeared over the side of the Norton Sound at night, and was presumed drowned near the Panama Canal. The US Navy, who did not do a proper search and investigation said the disappearance was "just an unexplained tragic event."
A fellow technician told us that prior to the tragic night, Mike's life had been threatened.
While no one ever came forward and gave a moment by moment account, enough evidence exists to construct what happened that night.
Prior to his disappearance, Mike represented his division at a race relations seminar onboard the Norton Sound. Shipmates later said he was marked by a drug dealer, who felt Mike might be a drug informer.
The night of May 4th, three sailors heard cries of help from the water, but after turning down their radio, and listening more, found they could no longer hear the cries.
The next morning blood was found on the deck leading to the railing. Crew washed it away before it could be analyzed and the Navy explained it away by saying a sailor had a nosebleed.
20 minutes into the search, racial words were found spray painted on a wall but the Navy said it was not related to Mikes disappearance.
The next morning when roll call was taken, someone accounted for Mike even though he was not present. It was not until mid afternoon when a concerned fellow crew member reported to the Captain that Mike had not shown up for his scheduled shift that the ship started an on board search.
Even though the Captain now knew about the blood on the deck and railing and the cries for help heard the night before by crew, it was over 24 hours before the ship turned around to look for Mike.
The Navy claimed Mike left the ship on his own accord but fellow crew members told family about the blood, the cries for help and the threats against Mike. After a three year investigation by the family, they learned that Mike was murdered by a gang of drug dealers who thought Mike might report them.
After more investigations, The Navy informed the family that Mike had been drugged, then beaten over the head with a heavy object by three men. They then dragged him to the side of the ship and threw him overboard into shark infested waters.
Mike was a fine, decent, Christian young man. After getting out of the Navy he had dreams of either becoming a priest or a police officer. He just wanted to help people. He was loving and treated others as family. No matter what your background, religion, color or group, Mike would have been a friend to you.
The family held a memorial service for Mike with his picture there for everyone to view. He was never found so the family will always wonder "What If."
To help combat indifference shown by the Navy, Citizens Against Military Injustice (CAMI) was founded in July 1982 by Frank and Audrey Lockwood. CAMI advocated private inquiries into peacetime deaths in the armed forces. (2,252 in 1982). It also campaigned to amend the Feres Doctrine, which denied armed forces personnel and their families the right to sue the Military when a senseless death occurs.
The FBI reviewed the case but neither the FBI or the Navy have ever commented on the case. Everyone who is known to have committed this horrible crime was transferred off the ship and relocated by the Navy. No one was ever held accountable for their actions. To this date, they still walk free for the disappearance of Mike.
Still today, there is no Justice for Mike.
Mike lived to be 23 years old. He is joined in Heaven by our sister Tina. We will always remember you both!
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.
Our sister, Tina's site is located at http://tina-lockwood-mccarley.memory-of.com/
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 Tributes and Condolences |
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Auf Wiedersehen, Mein Freund. / Louise Lubben (Friend, High School )
For years I have searched the internet looking for you. Every time I look through my old scrapbooks, I see your picture and I can relive my days as a shy teenager trying to survive High School. Your friendship was one ...
 Continue >>
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sorry for your loss / Charles Cage (ship mate on saipan )
I was a shipmate co-worker & friend of Mike I loved the basketball team pic. I am #32 I didn't know he was murdered. I'm sorry for your loss & thanks for the memory
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We still remember / Tammy And Bill Reed (sister)
Mike, you are thought about every day and while no one was ever brought to justice, we hope you have found peace where you are. The Lord only takes the best when he needs a new angel and you were definately one of the best. Miss you!
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| His legacy |
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Mikes Legacy
Mike disappered at the age of 23.
He is survived by his Mother and Father, Frank and Audrey, his brothers Frank and Bob and his sister Tammy.
He joins our sister Tina in Heaven.
One of Tina's children, Christy, named her 1st son after Mike.
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| Michael's Photo Album |
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